Design, synthesis and evaluation of N-[(3S)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamides as selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors: CNS penetration in a more polar template

Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2009 Aug 15;19(16):4579-83. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2009.06.096. Epub 2009 Jul 2.

Abstract

Derivatives of N-[(3S)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamides are disclosed as a new series of noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (NRI). Structure-activity relationships established that potent NRI activity could be achieved by appropriate substitution at the 2-position of the phenyl ring; consequently, selective NRIs and dual NSRIs were prepared. Benzamide 11e was identified as a potent NRI with good selectivity over SRI and DRI, good in vitro metabolic stability, weak CYP inhibition and low affinity for ion channels. Evaluation in vivo, in rat microdialysis experiments, showed 11e increased noradrenaline levels by up to 350% confirming good CNS penetration. Benzamide 11e was differentiated from previous NRIs as it was significantly less lipophilic (DeltaclogP -0.9).

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / chemical synthesis*
  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Benzamides / chemical synthesis*
  • Benzamides / chemistry
  • Benzamides / pharmacology
  • Cell Line
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Central Nervous System Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Central Nervous System Agents / chemistry
  • Central Nervous System Agents / pharmacology
  • Drug Design
  • Humans
  • Microsomes, Liver / metabolism
  • Norepinephrine / metabolism*
  • Pyrrolidines / chemical synthesis*
  • Pyrrolidines / chemistry
  • Pyrrolidines / pharmacology
  • Rats

Substances

  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors
  • Benzamides
  • Central Nervous System Agents
  • N-((3S)-pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide
  • Pyrrolidines
  • Norepinephrine